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Necessary Evils?
Officials Are People Too
Youth Officials: Lots Of Advantages
Parental Abuse Of Youth Refs: A Big Problem
Abusing Officials Usually Backfires
Treating Officials With Respect Is The Key

"Hey, ref, you must be blind!"
"Hey, ref. You want to borrow my glasses?"
"Ref, are you going out drinking with the other coach after this game?"

And when their child's team has lost the game, you will often hear this comment:

"It is the ref's fault we lost the game. If he hadn't made that call, we would have won the game."

A cynic would say that refs and parents are the necessary evils of youth sports. Refs are necessary to make sure that one side goes away from the contest feeling their team was cheated, and parents are necessary to provide the players and transport them to and from the game.

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But before you jump to agree with this characterization, keep in mind the following:

• No matter the sport, there will always be older people on the field to see that the game is played fairly and by the rules.
  
  

• Sometimes the officials are volunteers and not as well trained as they should be.
  
  

• In other leagues they may be well trained, sanctioned by an officiating organization or the league.
  
  

• Each league has its own way of finding referees

The general rule is the higher the level of competitive play, the more likely the officials are trained and paid and a member of an official's organization. But, whatever the level, remember that officials:

• Are people with whom you work, or go to church, or parents of your child's classmates in school
  
  

• Want to make youth sports a positive experience, just like you
  
  

• Are trying their best to be fair
  
  

• Have feelings just like everyone else.

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Article Updated: August 25, 2007

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Survey Finds Spectator Abuse Major Cause Of Referee Shortage
Cheers And Tears: Five Ways For Sports Parents To Set A Good Example
Abuse, Harassament, And Neglect: The Pains Of Emotional Injuries

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